Duke Blue Devils freshman and rising basketball star Khaman Maluach, an 18-year-old from South Sudan who’s considered a possible top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, may soon face deportation following a recent announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio made the declaration Saturday night as Maluach competed in Duke’s Final Four matchup against the University of Houston.
“I am taking actions to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and to restrict any further issuance to prevent entry into the United States, effective immediately, due to the failure of South Sudan’s transitional government to accept the return of its repatriated citizens in a timely manner,” Marco Rubio wrote in an article on X (Twitter). He would also state on the Secretary of State’s website, “We will be ready to review these actions once South Sudan is fully cooperating.”
At the time, a Duke University representative claimed the institution had no comment on the matter. It has now been reported that Duke spokesperson Frank Tramble issued a statement explaining, “Duke University is aware of the Department of State’s announcement regarding visa holders from South Sudan.” “We are investigating the situation and working quickly to determine any implications for Duke students.”
Khaman Maluach was not available to reporters following Saturday night’s game and has yet to remark. In 21 minutes, the 7-foot-2 star scored six points and grabbed no rebounds.
On Sunday, a state department spokesperson stated that Marco Rubio’s decision would “impact all those who have a U.S. visa in a South Sudanese passport and anyone with a South Sudanese passport who is applying for a U.S. visa,” and that “We will provide further information and instructions to affected visa holders and applicants as it becomes available.”